53f? Letter to Mr. Arthur Aikinfrom Dr. Thornton. 



be observed might be, that one part of its globe was crusted 

 over with spots, or otherwise unfit to reflect the Ught of the 

 sun. By comparing the periodical time of this satellite with 

 that of oi/r moon, he computed the quantity of matter in 

 Venus to be nearly equal to that in our earth ; in which 

 case it must have considerable influence in changing the 

 obliquity of the ecliptic, the latitudes and longitudes of 

 stars, &c.' 

 , You, sir, whom I understand to be engaged in the New 

 C]fclopcedia of Dr. Rees, may perhaps favour the world with 

 a refutation of what has been here advanced ; bt'.t what- 

 ever may be the disputes of the learned in astronomy. I shall 

 hope in future for less censure in adopting what my feeble 

 intellect may at the present period conceive to be the strong- 

 est side. 



I trust I have stated authority enough from other astro- 

 nomers for quoting that of Bounet ; and with extreme ea- 

 gerness I retire from controverting what another is pleased 

 to think and say of me, willingly wishing the same forget- 

 fulness of the insults oflered me as the author is willing to 

 ascribe to me on other occasions. 



Sir, in concluding, I cannot for a moment allow myself 

 to think that you were actually the writer of the review in 

 question ; but as editor I cannot help addressing you, as 

 pemiitting so severe and, I trust, unfair a critici->ni, as your 

 work contains, beginning with, 



" To turn the ptnny, once a wit 



Upon a curious f;<ncy hit ; 



Hung out a board, on w'.iich he bonsted, 



' Dinner for threepence, hoiltd dr.d roasted!' 



The hungry read, and in they trip. 



With eager eye and smacking lip : 



*' Here, bring this boiled and roasted, pray.' 



Enter potatoes, dressed each way : 



All stared and rose, the house forsook, 



The dinner cursed, and kicked the conk. 



My landlofd found, pooi Patrick Kelly, 



There is no jesting wiih the beily." 



I have the honour to be, sir, 



With great respect. 

 Your obedient humble servant, 



Robert John Thorntov. 



UX.^Life 



